The University of Hawaiʻi and UH Mānoa Athletics, in partnership with the State of Hawaiʻi, City and County of Honolulu and Hawaiʻi Foodbank, helped launch the 2025 employee food drives to help fight food insecurity across the islands. Together, the state and city have set a goal of providing 515,000 meals to Hawaiʻi residents in need.
Acting Athletic Director Lois Manin and Head Men’s Volleyball Coach Charlie Wade joined Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi at a news conference on February 26, at the SimpliFi Arena at the Stan Sheriff Center. To kick off the drives, Hawaiʻi Foodbank, in coordination with UH Athletics, will collect food and monetary donations at upcoming UH sports events.
February 28:
- Softball: UH vs. Jackson State, 4 p.m., Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium
- Softball: UH vs. Washington, 6 p.m., Rainbow Wahine Softball Stadium
- Baseball: UH vs. Northeastern, 6:35 p.m., Les Murakami Stadium
- Men’s volleyball: UH vs. UC Irvine, 7 p.m., SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center
March 1:
- Men’s basketball: UH vs. UC Davis, 7 p.m., SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center
“The people of Hawaiʻi have shown that they can support not only a volleyball team, but we can also support an organization that does such great work like the Hawaiʻi Foodbank,” said Wade. “I’m hoping that everyone who comes out and supports UH Athletics can take the time to support the Hawaiʻi Foodbank. It’s a really worthy cause and something that we all need to be a part of.”
2025 goals
The 26th Annual State Employees Food Drive aims to raise 405,000 meals, while the City and County of Honolulu’s drive aims to raise 110,000 meals. Both food drives will run from February 21 to May 9, encouraging employees and residents to donate food and funds to support local families.
Anyone can support the Hawaiʻi Foodbank by donating online, and employee contributions will be counted toward their department’s overall total. Donations can be made at:
- Food donations are being accepted in person at the Lt. Gov.’s office in the State Capitol (415 S. Beretania St., Fifth Floor).
City and County Employees Food Drive
- Oʻahu residents can drop off food donations at all Satellite City Halls or at any Honolulu Fire Department station throughout the drive.
For those facing food insecurity, resources and assistance are available at this website.
Building on success
In 2024, the joint effort surpassed its goal of 500,000 meals. Every donation makes an impact—1.2 pounds of food equals one meal, and every $1 provides approximately 2.15 meals. That means just $10 can provide up to 20 meals, making even small contributions meaningful.
“Food insecurity affects far too many families in Hawaiʻi, including 90,000 keiki,” said Luke. “The generosity of our state employees and community members makes a real difference in ensuring that no one in our islands goes hungry. This food drive is a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together.”
Hunger remains a significant challenge, with one in three households in Hawaiʻi struggling with food insecurity. In recent months, Hawaiʻi Foodbank has been serving an average of 170,000 individuals each month—this is a dramatic increase from previous years.
For the entire story, visit the UH Mānoa Athletics website.
Related UH News stories:
- UH helps Hawaiʻi Foodbank help ʻohana, July 20, 2023
- UH sets new record for Foodbank donations, May 19, 2021
- UH steps up big for Hawaiʻi Foodbank, July 10, 2020
